Madison River Basin
Target Species Brown Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout
Notable Hatches Salmonfly, Blue-winged Olive, Caddis, Hopper, Terrestrial
About the Madison River Basin
The Madison River Basin is home to some of Montana's most productive fisheries. The Madison River offers diverse fly fishing opportunities across multiple sections, with brown trout, mountain whitefish, rainbow trout providing consistent action throughout the season.
Key Sections
- Madison River - Upper Madison River: The Upper Madison River offers one of Montana's most iconic fly fishing experiences, flowing from the boundary of Yellowstone National Park downstream to Hebgen Reservoir.
- Madison River - Ennis: The Madison River near Ennis represents one of Montana's most celebrated freestone sections, flowing through the heart of the Madison Valley with exceptional trout populations and world-class dry fly fishing.
- Madison River - Lower Madison River: The Lower Madison River flows from Ennis Bridge downstream to the historic confluence with the Jefferson and Gallatin Rivers at Three Forks, where the Missouri River begins.
Iconic Hatches
- Salmonfly: The legendary Salmonfly hatch is a bucket-list event.
- Blue-winged Olive: Excellent dry fly opportunities.
- Caddis: Various caddis species provide excellent evening fishing.
- Hopper: Terrestrial patterns produce explosive takes.
- Terrestrial: Terrestrial patterns produce explosive takes.
